Creating a model to evaluate vaccines for gonococcal conjunctivitis
Official title: Development of a model of Gonococcal conjunctivitis for vaccine evaluations
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10839905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into ways to prevent gonococcal conjunctivitis, an eye infection caused by bacteria, especially in babies, by exploring potential vaccines and how our immune system responds to the infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $221,854 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174197-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10839905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for gonococcal infections, particularly infants born in low and middle-income countries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for gonococcal infections or those who have already been treated for such infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a model to better understand gonococcal conjunctivitis, an eye infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The goal is to evaluate potential vaccines that could prevent this infection, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants. The researchers will explore the immune response to the bacteria and identify possible vaccine targets, which is crucial given the rising antibiotic resistance. By using advanced methodologies, they aim to create effective immunotherapeutics to combat this serious health issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a vaccine that prevents gonococcal conjunctivitis, reducing the incidence of this infection in infants and adults.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on vaccines for related infections, this specific approach to gonococcal conjunctivitis is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pier, Gerald B — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Pier, Gerald B
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.